Discover the joy of upcycling tinned peaches, whether you’ve found a great deal on a few tins at the shop, or stumbled upon forgotten tinned treasures hidden in the back of your cupboard. Or simply desire to whip up something extraordinary without spending too much time in the kitchen. Transform these popular, humble tinned fruits into delightful creations that will impress your taste buds and showcase your resourcefulness, making the most of what’s already in your pantry.
In this blog post, let’s outline the adventure of upcycling tinned peaches into a delicious jar of festive brandied peaches. Not only will you have a unique and tasty treat, but you’ll also be creating something luxurious from something relatively plain.
Reasons to Upcycle Tinned Peaches
Extending the application of preserving techniques to tinned peaches
Upcycling tinned peaches is a fantastic way to extend the range and application of preserving techniques and skills. By transforming these peaches into gourmet treats such as brandied peaches, peach salsa, or chutney, you’re expanding your culinary repertoire.
This creative approach to preservation encourages experimentation with flavours, textures, and combinations, allowing you to develop new and exciting recipes.
Ultimately, upcycling tinned peaches showcases the versatility and adaptability of preserving methods, inspiring both beginners and experienced cooks to think outside the box when it comes to extending the life of their cupboard staples.
Canned peaches frees you from the availability of seasonal produce
This is an excellent way to overcome the limitations imposed by the availability of seasonal produce. By utilizing tinned peaches, you can enjoy the flavours and applications of this delightful fruit all year round, regardless of its seasonality.
This approach enables you to experiment with various recipes and flavour combinations without being constrained by the fluctuations in fresh produce availability, ultimately expanding your culinary horizons and allowing you to create delectable dishes at any time of the year.
Create Something Unique from Canned Peaches
Turning tinned peaches into brandied peaches gives you a one-of-a-kind treat that’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Save Money and Time With Tinned Peaches
Instead of buying expensive luxury shop-bought preserves, you can create a gourmet treat at a fraction of the cost.
Tinned peaches can be cheaper than buying the same amount of fresh peaches from the supermarket. You may find attractive offers on tinned fruits on your shopping trip, and be able to whip up something luxurious from them.
It also takes less time to transform these peaches than to make them from scratch, and they are as impressive! They are well received as festive food gifts.
Top Tips for Upcycling Tinned Peaches
Choice of canned peaches
Look for peaches that are packed in their own juice or light syrup, as these will have a better flavour and texture.
I prefer to use peach halves. Largely because the peach halves look luxurious and decadent in the jar and on the plate!
But, you could use slices if you prefer. They can fall apart more easily so be gentle. They are easier to pack into the jar and be covered with the syrup.
Maintain basic food hygiene routines
Make sure that you maintain good food hygiene practices when undertaking this upcycling task.
Make sure to check that the inside of dented tins has not broken the inner lining of the tin. A broken lining, like a rusty can, will have compromised the fruit and be a serious health hazard.
Sterilise your jars and seal them well.
Drain the tinned peaches well
Before adding your peaches to the brandy mixture, drain them well to remove any excess liquid.
This will help the peaches absorb the brandy and spices more effectively.
Gently rinse the peaches
Rinse off the tinned juice or syrup.
While you may decide to use some or all of this in your upcycling recipe, I have found that adding the fruit to my customized blend of syrup is more successful and tasty.
You can still use the left-over juice/syrup in smoothies, marinades and glazes or salad dressings – see below for suggestions.
Submerge the peaches
Make sure that the warm peaches are completely covered with flavourful syrup.
This is important to maintain their preservation and limit spoilage and also to make sure that the peaches are optimally exposed to as much of the delicious syrup as possible.
Adjust storage and use-by plans
These upcycled peaches will have a reduced shelf-life, so keep this in mind concerning storage and use-by plans.
While they can be stored in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks, they must be stored in the fridge once opened. Use within 4-6 weeks.
Flavour options for upcycling tinned peaches
Feel free to get creative with your brandied peaches by adding different spices or sweeteners. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and even a touch of maple syrup can add depth and complexity to your preserves.
Boozy Delight
Transform your tinned peaches into a sophisticated and indulgent preserve by adding alcohol to the syrup. Classic options like brandy, rum, or whisky can elevate the flavour profile and add depth to your upgraded preserve.
Make sure to simmer the mixture gently to allow the alcohol to meld with the peaches, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.
Spiced Sensation
Add warmth and complexity to your peach preserve by incorporating a mix of aromatic spices.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise are excellent choices that complement the sweetness of the peaches.
You can even experiment with a touch of ginger or cardamom for an unexpected twist.
Herbaceous Infusion
Introduce an element of freshness and intrigue to your tinned peaches by infusing them with fragrant herbs.
Consider using rosemary, thyme, or basil to create an enticing balance between sweet and savoury.
Be sure to bruise the herbs lightly before adding them to the syrup to release their essential oils and enhance the flavour.
Vanilla Dreams
Enhance the natural sweetness and aroma of tinned peaches by adding a generous splash (or two!) of vanilla extract or scraping the seeds from a whole vanilla bean into the syrup.
The delicate, comforting notes of vanilla will create a soothing and familiar flavour, making your upgraded preserve a versatile addition to various dishes.
Citrus Twist
Brighten up the tinned peaches with a zesty touch of citrus.
Add the zest and some juice of lemons, oranges, or even grapefruits to the syrup for a tangy and refreshing twist.
The combination of sweet peaches and vibrant citrus will result in a lively and invigorating preserve that’s perfect for summer desserts.
Ways to Enjoy Your Brandied Peaches
This aromatic and flavourful preserve is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Serve them with vanilla ice cream for a sophisticated dessert.
- Add them to your cheese board for an elegant touch and sweet contrast.
- Slice them and bake them into a cake, tart or pastry. Serve with cream.
- Stir them into yoghurt or oatmeal for an indulgent breakfast treat.
- Brandied peaches also make excellent food gifts. Package them in decorative jars with a ribbon and a personalized label for a thoughtful and delicious present.
NB: Enjoy the leftover syrup too!
Peachy drinks
Use the leftover flavoured peach syrup as a sweet and aromatic mixer in cocktails, adding depth and complexity to your favourite drinks.
Try it in a peach bellini, whiskey sour, or as a base for a fruity sangria.
Or add to sparkling water or tonic, with mint leaves for a refreshing and tasty drink full of summer melody.
Pancake or Waffle Topping
Drizzle the syrup over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet and flavorful twist on traditional maple syrup.
The spiced peach flavour will elevate your breakfast experience.
Meat or Dessert Glaze
Warm the flavoured peach syrup and use it as a glaze for cakes, muffins, or pastries, adding a hint of fruitiness and spice to your baked goods.
Add some of this syrup to your regular meat glaze or marinade and surprise yourself!
Ice Cream Topping
Pour the syrup over ice cream or frozen yoghurt for a delicious and indulgent treat.
The rich peach flavour will complement the creaminess of the dessert.
Garnish with some chopped nuts.
Yoghurt or Oatmeal Swirl
Stir the syrup into yoghurt or oatmeal for a burst of fruity sweetness and added depth of flavour.
This simple addition can transform your everyday breakfast into something special.
Salad dressings and sauces
Customize your standard salad dressing and uplift a salad to great heights.
Similarly, add some of the syrup to everyday savoury sauces for an extraordinary flavour note.
Upcycling canned peaches into brandied peaches is a creative and delicious way to make the most of this well-known and well-loved cupboard staple. With a little effort and creativity, you can transform ordinary tinned peaches into a gourmet treat that’s perfect for enjoying yourself or gifting to friends and family.
Upcycling Canned Peaches Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Medium bowl
- Preserving pan/Large saucepan
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Slotted spoon
- Ladle
- Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids
- Labels and pen
Ingredients
- 1x415g tin peach halves in juice or light syrup
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ cup caster sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- pinch chilli flakes (adjust to your preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brandy, water, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, chilli flakes, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Set the saucepan aside for about an hour (or more) to let the flavours infuse into the syrup.
- Drain and Rinse
- Begin by draining the tinned peach halves, reserving the juice or syrup for future use in smoothies, cocktails, or baking.
- Gently rinse the peach halves in the colander under cold water to remove any remaining syrup.
- Warm the Peaches
- Return the saucepan to the heat and gradually heat to a simmer.
- Once the syrup has reached a gentle simmer, carefully add the drained peach halves using a slotted spoon.
- Allow the peaches to warm in the syrup for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they don't fall apart.
- The goal is to infuse the peaches with the delicious flavours of brandy, cinnamon, and chilli flakes without compromising their texture.
- Jar up and Seal
- Using the slotted spoon again, gently remove the peach halves from the syrup and place them in the sterilised jar(s).
- Add the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Pour the hot syrup over the peaches, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Wipe the rims of the jar and seal them.
- Store and Enjoy
- Allow the brandied peach halves to cool completely at room temperature before sealing the container or jar.
- For optimal flavour, store the peach halves in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before enjoying them.
- Once properly sealed, the peaches can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 4 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
- Once opened, the brandied peaches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
Notes
Top Tips for Upcycling Canned Peaches
Choice of canned peaches
Look for peaches that are packed in their own juice or light syrup, as these will have a better flavour and texture. I prefer to use peach halves. Largely because the peach halves look luxurious and decadent in the jar and on the plate! But, you could use slices if you prefer. They can fall apart more easily so be gentle. They are easier to pack into the jar and be covered with the syrup.Maintain basic food hygiene routines
Make sure that you maintain good food hygiene practices when undertaking this upcycling task. Make sure to check that the inside of dented tins has not broken the inner lining of the tin. A broken lining, like a rusty can, will have compromised the fruit and be a serious health hazard. Sterilise your jars and seal them well.Drain well
Before adding your peaches to the brandy mixture, drain them well to remove any excess liquid. This will help the peaches absorb the brandy and spices more effectively.Gently rinse
Rinse off the tinned juice or syrup. While you may decide to use some or all of this in your upcycling recipe, I have found that adding the fruit to my customized blend of syrup is more successful and tasty. You can still use the left-over juice/syrup in smoothies, marinades and glazes or salad dressings – see below for suggestions.Submerge the peaches
Make sure that the warm peaches are completely covered with flavourful syrup. This is important to maintain their preservation and limit spoilage and also to make sure that the peaches are optimally exposed to as much of the delicious syrup as possible.Adjust storage and use-by plans
These upcycled peaches will have a reduced shelf-life, so keep this in mind concerning storage and use-by plans. While they can be stored in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks, they must be stored in the fridge once opened. Use within 4-6 weeks.Flavour options for upcycling canned peaches
Feel free to get creative with your brandied peaches by adding different spices or sweeteners. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and even a touch of maple syrup can add depth and complexity to your preserves.Boozy Delight
Transform your tinned peaches into a sophisticated and indulgent preserve by adding alcohol to the syrup. Classic options like brandy, rum, or whisky can elevate the flavour profile and add depth to your upgraded preserve. Make sure to simmer the mixture gently to allow the alcohol to meld with the peaches, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.Spiced Sensation
Add warmth and complexity to your peach preserve by incorporating a mix of aromatic spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise are excellent choices that complement the sweetness of the peaches. You can even experiment with a touch of ginger or cardamom for an unexpected twist.Herbaceous Infusion
Introduce an element of freshness and intrigue to your tinned peaches by infusing them with fragrant herbs. Consider using rosemary, thyme, or basil to create an enticing balance between sweet and savoury. Be sure to bruise the herbs lightly before adding them to the syrup to release their essential oils and enhance the flavour.Vanilla Dreams
Enhance the natural sweetness and aroma of tinned peaches by adding a generous splash (or two!) of vanilla extract or scraping the seeds from a whole vanilla bean into the syrup. The delicate, comforting notes of vanilla will create a soothing and familiar flavour, making your upgraded preserve a versatile addition to various dishes.Citrus Twist
Brighten up the tinned peaches with a zesty touch of citrus. Add the zest and some juice of lemons, oranges, or even grapefruits to the syrup for a tangy and refreshing twist. The combination of sweet peaches and vibrant citrus will result in a lively and invigorating preserve that’s perfect for summer desserts.Ways to Enjoy Your Brandied Peaches
This aromatic and flavourful preserve is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:- Serve them with vanilla ice cream for a sophisticated dessert.
- Add them to your cheese board for an elegant touch and sweet contrast.
- Slice them and bake them into a cake, tart or pastry. Serve with cream.
- Stir them into yoghurt or oatmeal for an indulgent breakfast treat.
- Brandied peaches also make excellent food gifts. Package them in decorative jars with a ribbon and a personalized label for a thoughtful and delicious present.
NB: Enjoy the leftover syrup too!
Peachy drinks
Use the leftover flavoured peach syrup as a sweet and aromatic mixer in cocktails, adding depth and complexity to your favourite drinks. Try it in a peach bellini, whiskey sour, or as a base for a fruity sangria. Or add to sparkling water or tonic, with mint leaves for a refreshing and tasty drink full of summer melody.Pancake or Waffle Topping
Drizzle the syrup over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet and flavorful twist on traditional maple syrup. The spiced peach flavour will elevate your breakfast experience.Meat or Dessert Glaze
Warm the flavoured peach syrup and use it as a glaze for cakes, muffins, or pastries, adding a hint of fruitiness and spice to your baked goods. Add some of this syrup to your regular meat glaze or marinade and surprise yourself!Ice Cream Topping
Pour the syrup over ice cream or frozen yoghurt for a delicious and indulgent treat. The rich peach flavour will complement the creaminess of the dessert. Garnish with some chopped nuts.Yoghurt or Oatmeal Swirl
Stir the syrup into yoghurt or oatmeal for a burst of fruity sweetness and added depth of flavour. This simple addition can transform your everyday breakfast into something special.Salad dressings and sauces
Customize your standard salad dressing and uplift a salad to great heights. Similarly, add some of the syrup to everyday savoury sauces for an extraordinary flavour note.Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.